Everyone is looking for a shelter during the winter, so you might welcome spring with a little, often imperceptible stowaway at home. Yes, you’re right, that’s mold. It is important to check your home for mold regularly and resolve potential problems, but it is definitely crucial to do it in spring.

The reason for this lies in rising temperatures which are ideal for the development of mold spores, which gladly nestle, you’re guessing, in your home. As a type of fungi, mold is quite widespread in nature and is actually quite beneficial, being an important part of the eco system. However, once it enters your home it can become a serious problem. Here are the reasons why along with a few tips on how to resolve that problem.

How Does It Develop?

There are four elements that enable the mold to develop and pose a problem in your house. The first are the already mentioned mold spores which are virtually everywhere, both inside and outside, and which can be of various types. Not all mold types are dangerous to our health, but around 80 out of nearly 100,000.

The second condition for mold spreading is built-up moisture, which is something that winter often leaves behind. So if you had problems with ice dams, basement flooding or frozen pipes, you better watch for mold once the cold is over and everything starts melting. Because on top of considerable moisture, mold requires higher temperatures, which is something that spring provides. Finally, mold needs food, that is, a host. So a recent flooding, air dampness, poor ventilation, roof leaks, and similar factors can all create an ideal environment for this uninvited guest to settle in your house.

Why Is It Harmful?

As already mentioned, not all types of mold are harmful to human health. Those which are can cause allergic reactions in people who are more sensitive to those allergens. The symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, runny nose, rash and a set of other, lighter health problems. However, for a certain number of people, mold can cause serious health issues, including breathing problems.

Regardless of the initial severity of the health problems, the more mold develops, the more serious the symptoms become, so it is important to take action as soon as possible. Considering the potential health danger, it is always better to leave mold removal to the professionals.

How to Get Rid of It?

It is better not to remove mold on your own but call an agency specialized in that, especially if it has already spread a lot. However, there are a few things you can do yourself to make their job easier and to at least hinder the mold development until it is completely removed.

If you have noticed any leaks anywhere in your house, have them fixed as soon as possible, since that leak could be the exact source of dampness which makes for a perfect environment for mold development. Condensation can be another cause of mold spreading, so you should try and prevent it from forming.

Even though you haven’t noticed any roof leaks, make sure you do have your roof and gutter examined, as they can cause the dampness build up in your home. It’s possible you don’t notice a faulty shingle here and there, or a defective gutter, which can lead the dampness to your home without you even noticing it. And the roof is exposed to a lot of pressure after winter as snow is melting, and there can be some serious downpours brought by spring.

What’s more, be sure to inspect and clean your HVAC system as it can easily become home for the mold spores, and once you turn it on, the air will spread them all over your house. Also, try to check and regulate humidity levels, as humidity is crucial for mold development.

If you notice strange, musky odors, increased dampness, or actually see mold on your walls, make sure to react as soon as possible and get professional help before it spreads even more and causes serious problems to your health, as well as to your house, since you shouldn’t forget that mold also damages and “eats” building materials your house is made of. So take this matter seriously and react accordingly.